BOOK REVIEW: JEREMY RENNER - MY NEXT BREATH

4/5

Breathing New Life

Hawkeye used to be The Avenger that some fans made fun of. Captain America was the leader, flying the flag. Iron Man, the Batman like billionaire with suits and tech for days. Thor had the strength of a hammer only he(?) could lift. Hulk was green with envy for anyone who didn't have anger management issues. And as for the Black Widow...daaamn! It seemed like Clint Barton had merely a bow and arrow. That was until the hypnotized star of 'The Hurt Locker' stole the show and had his own sharpshooting one with the 'Hawkeye' Christmas special, fresh off his darker 'Endgame' turn as Ronin. Jeremy Renner has always been a great actor. From 'Arrival' to 'Wind River'. Or his reinvigoration of the 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Bourne' franchises. Even if future friends that feel like family swear he wasn't in some said movies, stabbing with sunglasses. He has even been shooting straight on the small screen as the 'Mayor Of Kingstown' and with his vehicular 'Rennervations' on Disney Plus. Making music between all this with his sweet solos sets, most recently last year's aptly title, 'Love and Titanium'.

None of that mattered on New Year's Day 2023. All that mattered...was his next breath. Jeremy Renner was crushed by a snowcat after saving his nephew from being hit by a snowplow. Renner suffered blunt chest trauma and 38 broken bones. He could even see his eye on the snow as his nephew, neighbours and EMT miles away from this ice tried to save him. Flown by helicopter to the region's only trauma centre, Renner went under the knife and remained in a critical condition in intensive care. Only sixteen days later, he left hospital. Months later, he was on the cover of Men's Health magazine after doctors said he wouldn't run again. And mere months ago, the cheers were deafening and tear inducing as Netflix's 'Tudum' showcase introduced him as a character on Rian Johnson's next 'Knives Out' mystery, 'Wake Up Dead Man', coming to the streaming service, this fall. Nobody would ever doubt who the strongest Avenger was now, like co-star and friend Robert Downey Jr. reading his amazing autobiography, 'My Next Breath', whilst filming his villainous turn in next summer's 'Doomsday'.

Yet, Renner's real recovery was far from as easy as the paragraph I just wrote. Words can't do it justice, only Jeremy's can paint the picture. And in this moving memoir, that Renner didn't want to originally write, he does exactly that. What starts as a fall favourite, beautiful story of a family getting together for the holidays, regardless of any drama or difference, hits you like the full force of the 14,330 pound snowcat rolling over Renner. It's brutal and hard to take, read, or hear, but just imagine what Jeremy went through as he takes you right through it. "Hear" being apt, as the autobiography audiobook version really makes you feel it. From 911 emergency calls from the day, to a special recording that will warm your heart amongst all the ice. Audiobooks from the horse's mouth are always great to hear from, but Jeremy's really strikes a chord. What starts as a rushed read through, this is a busy man, who values family time more than ever now, chokes you up as the man himself does the same. Look what he almost lost as he briefly died on that ice. How could he have a bad day now? He's truly living life every day with every breath he takes. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Reading: Al Pacino - 'Sonny Boy', Matthew Perry - 'Greenlights', Matthew Perry - 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing'.

REVIEW: HAPPY GILMORE 2

3/5

Gilmore Guys

118 Mins. Starring: Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, Benny Safdie, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, John Daly & Ben Stiller. Screenplay: Tim Herlihy & Adam Sandler. Director: Kyle Newacheck. On: Netflix.

No word of a lie. In my twenties, I once asked a girl on a night out if she wanted to come back to mine and watch Adam Sandler's 'Mr. Deeds'. No euphemism. It was kind of like that scene in 'Lethal Weapon', except she was a potential love of my life, not a lady of the night. And that's exactly what we did. No deed done. Just 'Mr. Deeds'. And you know what? It was a great night. I regret nothing. Even if needless to say, in terms of love, that was all she wrote. FOOOOORE-king hilarious! Happy-go-lucky Adam Sandler is back on Netflix, like 'The Ridiculous Six' never happened. Following his brilliant basketball 'Hustle', and in-between murder mysteries with Jennifer Aniston, he tees off with another sports comedy. But one you might recognize more with all the familiar, famous faces coming back. 'Modern Family's' Julie Bowen, 'Meet The Parents' star Ben Stiller and Christopher McDonald's Shooter. Yep, that's right, folks! 'Happy Gilmore' is back on the range, minus the hockey shtick (but you won't give a puck), but still in the Bruins jersey you can't miss and better not diss. The hype is as real as the amazing way it was announced on Netflix's 'Tudum' showcase. As the streaming service gives us 'Happy Gilmore 2', like it did fellow SNL alum Eddie Murphy's long-awaited 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F' sequel, that came to America last year.

Netflix owe him one. Have you seen how good the anxiety-attack of a movie 'Uncut Gems' is? This one mines gold, raw and uncut too, as Sandler faces one of those directors in Benny Safdie's funny foil. The man whose character 'Oppenheimer's' wife refused to shake hands with plays someone that will have you singing Sting's 'Don't Stand So Close To Me' on repeat. Safdie wants to create a more exciting golf league that looks like something cooked up by the YouTube generation Paul brothers pissing energy drink. Hey, I love golf just as much as I love baseball, but I know both of them can be relaxing at times, which is code for boring. But it didn't work for 'South Park' creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone's (taking it to Trump) hilarious 'BASEketball' (how dare you claim my sport needs refining, like a four-point line), and it won't work here. Especially when you have the links of some classic course cameos we shouldn't say, but would openly pay to see.

On the green, there are even more entertaining appearances. So much so, we'll only reveal what's opened in the credits. But the real star of the show is the caddie played by Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio ('Bullet Train'), AKA Bad Bunny. If not for golfing legend, John Daly, living in Sandler's basement. Kyle Newacheck's ('Murder Mystery') film, off a golf card script from Sandler and Tim Herlihy, is terrific like the Happy Madison productions it shatters your screens with. As a matter of fact, you may just drop your smart one with one-liners delivered with usual Adam angst. Let's hope he gets to sing at weddings soon too, as love still stinks, and I'm sure Sandler's got Drew Barrymore on speed dial. This might have come out of the same new films for Fridays that the 'First Steps' of the newest Marvel movie came out, but this doesn't mean 'Doomsday' for 'Gilmore', girls. It's still a fantastic fore. Look in the clouds for this love letter to the crocodile, and the late, great Carl Weathers (rest peacefully). A hole in one. Now that's what she said. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Happy Gilmore', 'Hustle', 'BASEketball'.

REVIEW: THE FANTASTIC FOUR - FIRST STEPS

4/5

Surfin' M.C.U.

114 Mins. Starring: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, Sarah Niles, Mark Gatiss, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser & Ralph Ineson. Screenplay: Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan & Ian Springer. Director: Matt Shakman. In: Theatres.

The steps 'The Fantastic Four' have taken to get to the M.C.U. have been clunkier than Ben Grimm's The Thing walking around at night in the Baxter Building. The early 2000s movies starring Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis and Chris (B.C. 'Before Cap') Evans (how about that classic cameo last year?) were a part of 20th Century Fox's big-three with Tobey Maguire's 'Spider-Man' and the 'X-Men'. A decade and change later, the chronicles continued with Josh Trank trying to make an ultimate Fantastic Four ('Fant4stic') with Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan (B.K. 'Before Killmonger'). Much maligned (and unfairly so) and meme-d (that's hilarious, to be fair). And then, before 'The First Steps' of 'The Fantastic Four' now, we even had a dream cast of John Krasinski playing Mr. Fantastic in 'Doctor Strange and the Multiverse Of Madness' (this is the first time I've done this, but it's OK to reveal now...right?). All before he was turned to spaghetti.

A line, even more infamous than Teller's, told us that maybe this wasn't the smartest man in the world. But still, we wanted to see 'The Office' star make this superhero day job his 9 to 5. Especially when Elizabeth Olsen's Wanda asked him if he had a wife...and we all thought that meant his real-life on and 'A Quiet Place' co-star Emily Blunt was going to play Sue Storm. Well, that turned out to be transparent and more than a stretch. Ah, well, maybe in another multiverse. Instead, we have Pedro Pascal, the biggest blockbuster in the business ('The Mandalorian', 'The Last Of Us', 'Game Of Thrones', 'Wonder Woman 1984', 'Kingsman-The Golden Circle', 'Gladiator II') proving he has the smarts and heart to play the tortured genius of Reed Richards. Meanwhile, 'The Crown' of Sue Storm goes to 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Hobbs & Shaw' franchise face Vanessa Kirby ('Pieces Of A Woman'). Sure, you may wonder what could have been with the Krasinski and Blunt family, but Pascal and Kirby have so much chemistry, people think they're a couple off-screen. Although, Vanessa is just comforting Pedro's social anxiety, no matter what the internet thinks.

The other half of the family belongs on the television, lifted from the streams of two of the most successful shows on Netflix and Disney Plus, respectively. Joseph Quinn ('A Quiet Place: Day One') stole the show so much on the last season of 'Stranger Things', he's now rocking the blazing Johnny Storm flames. Checking the cockiness of Chris Evans' early, classic career, before he became the do good Captain, Quinn's more grounded poster boy of the family soars. Fame on. But it's 'The Bear's' favourite cousin, Ebon Moss-Bacharach (who also played with 'The Punisher'), who you really see through. Right to the core of this brick wall who still expresses emotion through those eyes that have hurt us ever since he played Keanu Reeves' brother in 'The Lake House', younger and much different, looking a little tougher these days. He may not say his famous line, but he does 'Anchorman's, "CANNONBALL!". And when Ebon dips a stone finger into H.E.R.B.I.E.'s (the cutest and best thing since Pedro Pascal's last co-star on a Disney property) cooked-up concoction, we're right back in a Chicago restaurant with zip. Concrete clap. Yet, it's the first steps of Marvel's first family that really steals the show.

Earth-828, and its nice nod, is a retro-futuristic universe we can all get along with. As Matt Shakman's ('WandaVision') 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' (with its own four writers Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer) is a love comic to Jack Kirby, Alex Ross and the 60s. All the way down to the 'Catch Me If You Can' like Marvel title card. Classic magazine covers, stylish suits, flying cars and even a Baxter Building that has everyone here in Yokohama thinking they stole the deeds off the Landmark Tower. Even the exposition is wrapped up in a nice syndicated segment from Mark Gatiss ('Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning'), because like 'Guardians Of The Galaxy's very own James Gunn said, "I don’t need to see pearls in a back alley when Batman’s parents are killed. I don’t need to see the radioactive spider biting Spider-Man. And I don’t need to see baby Kal coming from Krypton in a little baby rocket." Or for that matter, these four going into space and coming back more cosmic than a Jamiroquai song. 

These steps could even reach and tug 'Superman's' cape for blockbuster of the summer. Especially when the booming voice of Ralph Ineson plays the IMAX grand Galactus. Teased but only revealed on the biggest screen where he belongs. The devourer of worlds is actually meant to look like Ineson. Making the Statue of Liberty look like the one in Tokyo's Odaiba. 'Ozark's' Julia Garner splashes any hate that said she couldn't play the Silver Surfer, too. Making this character even more blockbuster iconic than Laurence Fishburne mixed with the great Doug Jones. Especially when she gives chase through space slip streams that could make Star Wars and Star Trek look like a walk on the moon. Next to the giant steps of Galactus, she should be heralded. Just like what Sarah Niles does for this family, and the hushed role that the great Natasha Lyonne plays (even though we wish it was the one she voiced in the animated 'What If...?', as the ultimate love child of Darcy duck). It's no secret, but we won't spoil the classic character that a perfect Paul Walter Hauser plays. It's just a shame that the legendary John Malkovich got his scene cut. Although, you can see him in cartoon credits. And as for the post one, you better not take any steps out of the screen. Forgive me, but I got to say...it's fantastic. And you can say that again. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer', 'Fant4stic', 'Fantastic Four (1994)'.

TV REVIEW: TUCCI IN ITALY - Season 1

4/5

What I Ate In One Trip

5 Episodes. Presented By: Stanley Tucci. Executive Producers: Stanley Tucci, Lottie Birmingham & Amanda Lyon. On: National Geographic & Disney +.

With 'Taste', like his brilliant cookbook bestseller, Stanley Tucci is 'Searching For Italy' once again. Following his cancelled CNN show (damn those Colbert like cuts, what about the Primetime Emmy it cooked up?), Stanley gives us 'Tucci In Italy', like he followed his first book with 'What I Ate In A Year' (mainly pizza). Streaming on National Geographic and Disney Plus, like David Blaine's world of more than magic in his 'Do Not Attempt' series for your home viewing, this gregarious and charismatic actor gives us the best reality show since 'The World According To Jeff Goldblum'. A word to the mouse, don't cancel and remove this one. Bear down on this like Jeremy Allen White's Hulu show on FX.

Executive produced by 'The Devil Wear Prada', 'The Lovely Bones' and 'Conclave' actor, frequent collaborator Lottie Birmingham and Amanda Lyon, these fabulous five episodes will make all corners of Italy famous, like Rome, Venice and Milan. But those passports have already been stamped and the postcards sent. 'Tucci In Italy' begins with Stanley in Tuscany, where he has a look at the art of food in the birthplace of the renaissance. Michelangelo would be proud of all the brushstrokes made across pastry, painted with oil. Yet it's the final festival that will really strike a chord, and the mark on your calendar for making Italy your next holiday. Then, Tucci ventures to the industrial heartland of Lomardy, where he meets a chef who visits the same barber as him (the one, I should, 'Tucci Season' coming soon...sooner than I'd like). Not to mention a young couple of fathers who now face difficulties in regard to their child's citizenship, but none in concern of their love and devotion.

The troubles with immigration, in a time when we all feel it, are also explored, alongside Italy's northernmost region of Trentino-Alto Adige, in the terrific third episode. One that you can ski and fish with, all before getting behind the table with your nearest and dearest for some heartwarming food, fresh off the catch of the day menu special. In the penultimate episode, set in Abruzzo, Stan takes us to mountains covered in snow and treats coated in candy, as more of what makes Italia inspirational takes centre stage on your plate. Yet it's the closing episode of 'Lazio', serving as your dessert that you should make your goal like Serie A. Going beyond Rome, to its countryside, in this lovely lifestyle documentary that has just been renewed for a second season helping. Cultural cuisine. Historical hallmarks. Whether it's the science behind the perfect dish, or roadside diners that could even beat Route 66 in this Italian New Yorker's homeland, Tucci gives us a taste of all Italy has to offer. We'll raise a Stanley cup of espresso to that. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Eating: 'Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy', 'David Blaine: Do Not Attempt', 'The World According To Jeff Goldblum'.

REVIEW: THE AMATEUR

3/5

Amateur Hour

124 Mins. Starring: Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, Michael Stuhlbarg, Holt McCallany, Danny Sapani, Julianne Nicholson, Jon Bernthal and Laurence Fishburne. Screenplay: Ken Nolan & Gary Spinelli. Director: James Hawes. On: Hulu & Disney +.

Clark Kent's not going to be happy. It's only been a week since 'Superman' flew into theatres at sonic speed, but Lois Lane herself, Rachel Brosnahan of 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' fame, is already cosying up with 'Bohemian Rhapsody's' own Freddie Mercury, AKA, Rami Malek. But this is not cheating at a Coldplay concert. This is all for the show of 'The Amateur' that finally finds itself on Disney Plus, three months and change after its cinematic release. The James Hawes ('One Life', and the 'Enid' Blyton biopic with Helena Bonham Carter), with a script from Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli, sees star of the moment Brosnahan's character killed in the first act. But what they briefly share is beautiful and lovely, chasing cars with cameras. Not to mention, it gives Rami something to 'John Wick' for, like a Malek on fire.

Yet 'Mindhunter' star Holt McCallany thinks the man Malek is a little wet behind the ears to take on the task of revenge like 'The Brave One'. And he and Danny Sapani (on fine form after flirting up a storm with another Superman, Henry Cavill, in Guy Ritchie's 'The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare') practically laugh this CIA cryptographer out of the briefing room. Asking if he wants an Aston Martin to go with his outlandish request. And if only they knew the 'No Time To Die' half of it. They decide to give him some basic training to keep him and quiet and that's when the great Laurence Fishburne steals the show, on more than babysitting duty. The hard edged legend in the field has a soft spot for Rami's cause and plays like the late, great Gene Hackman to Malek's Will Smith in 'Enemy Of The State'. But this 'Mr. Robot' has a few tricks up his sleeve, leaving no room to breathe, from decompressed pools, to explosions that Denzel Washington would be proud of. Although he hasn't quite got down the walk away.

Yet that's where 'The Amateur' is grounded in the realism of 90s action greats like 'The Fugitive'. And from the postcards of Paris, to the maps of Madrid, this thriller looks the part. Based on Robert Littell's spy novel, and a remake of a 1981 Charles Jarrott Canadian thriller of the same name, starring John Savage and Christopher Plummer, this one, too, spies hard. Especially when 'Belfast' Ma, Caitríona Balfe ('Now You See Me', 'Money Monster', 'Ford v Ferrari') gets involved, bringing back 'Bourne' like brutal beauty. Fresh off her trouble in 'Paradise', Julianne Nicholson is on the right side of things. Whilst the great Michael Stuhlbarg in limited time makes for a compelling villain, whose legend of a menacing presence is hand on your shoulder, felt throughout. Even 'The Punisher' shows up, as fresh off 'The Accountant 2' with Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal does in two scenes what most actors couldn't do in twenty. It's a brilliant balancing act of big stars and blockbuster budget action with high stakes and even greater smarts. Making bank on its budget, it's Malek that keeps you mesmerized throughout. 'Amateur' is the last thing he is. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Man On Fire', 'Enemy Of The State', 'Mr. Robot'.

REVIEW: A DIFFERENT MAN

4/5

A Man Apart.

112 Mins. Starring: Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve & Adam Pearson. Screenplay: Aaron Schimberg. Director: Aaron Schimberg. In: Theatres.

Marvel at Sebastian Stan for the wonderful work this soldier did last winter. Yeah, you know the depth of his dark designs as Bucky Barnes in the M.C.U. ('Captain America: Civil War', 'Thunderbolts*'), just like you know what that asterisk means. But last year, the award favourite was met by some arrogant, assuming folk saying he could actually act. Number one, here's guessing they didn't see 'I, Tonya', or 'Pam & Tommy'. Two, The Winter Soldier is more than just a cold and calculated character for Marvel Studios. Haunted by all that he's done, Sebastian Stan brings purity and dignity to the isolated, yet sincere soul. Stan won't bite the Disney/Feige hand that kept him fed, either. Even when he was winning awards for this movie as 'A Different Man', and garnering Academy-Award nominations for 'The Apprentice'. Not to mention scorn from the man he played, Donald Trump.

As the President we should all fire before he was Oval Office famous, Stan was the man. The former villain turned anti-hero, Terminator like superhero character ate PB&J sandwiches and saw my barber in order to play The Donald. Now, in this movie, he undertakes a whole new prosthesis to play an aspiring actor with neurofibromatosis. Down on his luck, he endures stares, scares and scorn. All whilst his love life and acting gigs can't catch a break. To make matters worse, the ceiling in his New York theatre district apartment has sprung a leak, dripping as much metaphor as it does water torture. Then, Sebastian's Edward character reluctantly agrees to undergo an experimental procedure to change his face. Shedding the skin, but not the insecurities that remain raged, offset by a whole new world of problems. It ain't easy being that handsome...especially when you have a conscience.

'Shallow Hal' this is not, as Aaron Schimberg's ('Chained For Life') written and directed movie for indie hit production company A24 (and one of their best yet in the brightest bunch) has shades of Jake Gyllenhaal's double identity in Denis Villeneuve's 'Enemy' and Demi Moore's almost all award-winning turn in 'The Substance'. Stan's Edward cosies up with neighbour and playwright Renate Reinsve ('The Worst Person In The World' and one of the best actors here) pre- and post-op. But does she recognize the new man auditioning for a role in her play based on the man she previously met? Stan was born to play this part, it's more than how he looks.  Like the classic acting cameo. But once the amazing Adam Pearson comes into play, everything changes. The British actor (Jonathan Glazer and Scarlett Johansson's haunting 'Under The Skin', based on the Michael Faber book), TV presenter and campaigner actually has neurofibromatosis type 1, and what he, and Stan, do in this movie more than raise awareness and solidarity for the condition. 

This movie is more than just a metaphor to be happy in the skin you're in. A perfect Pearson, will next star as Joseph Merrick in the latest adaptation of Bernard Pomerance's play, 'The Elephant Man'. Becoming the first disabled actor to play the part on-screen. Most recently, from Broadway to the West End, Merrick was played by Bradley Cooper of all people, with deep dignity and real respect. We hope the 'Maestro' director of 'A Star Is Born' gets to direct Pearson as Merrick. Or, it could even be Schimberg who reunites with Pearson here after they were 'Chained For Life' together. That movie would be monumental. Just like this one that stays with you like the haunting theme over the classic credits. A beautiful performance of confidence and charisma gifts Pearson will the new role of his life. Whilst the beast that lies within Stan gave him not just the Golden Globe, but the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. But really, what's trying to get out is an empathetic understanding yearning for acceptance. Finally released here in Japan on the same weekend that 'Superman' is dividing some critics and audiences like the movie's universe rift, 'A Different Man' raises questions about a completely different hero and what really is the mask he wears. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Apprentice', 'Enemy', 'The Substance'.

TV REVIEW: THE BEAR - Season 4

4/5

Bear Grills.

10 Episodes. Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson & Edwin Lee Gibson. Created By: Christopher Storer. On: Hulu & Disney +.

Ordering up Season 4 of FX's 'The Bear' on Hulu and Disney Plus is not without its fair share of arguing. Fans get into it as much as the pressure cooker stars of the show, once the gas rings get lit. Even so, the show will be served up for a fifth helping next year, no matter how it ends, as we say goodbye. Christopher Storer's now storied psychological comedy/drama has become a cult, indie hit after it became the coolest thing on streaming television this side of 'Succession'. No wonder it went head-to-head with the final season of Netflix's most successful show, 'Squid Game', for TV blockbuster of the summer, released in the same week, with all episodes available. Still, how do you cook a squid when 'The Bear' is facing more people standing up and screaming at it than the new 'Superman' movie? Maybe I missed something, binging on the first two seasons before the third course, last year. It seems people are as fed up with 'The Bear' as Chicago's own are the Cubs. But I can't wait to see it carry on, like Harry.

'The Bear' has become such a grizzled hit that star and Emmy winner Jeremy Allen White, moonlighting as a Calvin Klein model that will really make you feel that you wasted that gym membership, will now get to play the runaway American dream that is Bruce Springsteen, in the 'Deliver Me From Nowhere' biopic off E Street, this fall. Allen White, who was perfect in 'The Iron Claw' and will play a Hutt in 'The Mandalorian & Grogu' movie, is still the Boss of this show though. Alongside the enigmatic and excellent Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who will go from a Cobb salad to clobbering some time with the 'FANTASTIC FOUR' (you sang that, right?) this month, battling DC's 'Superman' for blockbuster of the summer. New megastar Ayo Edebiri has been the voice (April O'Neil in the 'Mutant Mayhem' of an animated 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles') of many people's Envy recently. From 'Inside Out 2', to Glory Grant in the 'Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse' sequel. But this is her 'Opus'. Liza Colón-Zayas will even star in the live action 'brand New Day' of Spider-Man, alongside co-star, The Punisher himself, Jon Bernthal. One batch and one perfect shot, like this T.V.'s classic cinematography.

Bernthal, Jamie Lee Curtis, Olivia Colman, Oliver Platt, Will Poulter, Josh Hartnett. John Mulaney, Bob Odenkirk and many, many more huge guest stars have appeared on 'The Bear's' scratched family tree. The only thing more famous than this is the Shazam ready soundtrack. But as people seemed to have cooled on the A-list alphabet soup that is season three and four of this series, has it been doing all the heavy lifting (shout out to the 'Slow Disco' of St. Vincent this time out)? Hell no! Even if it is a central character, like Chicagoland. The big-three. The outstanding future of Lionel Boyce. The great Colón-Zayas, who we plead to see more of in the fifth after her epic episode in S3. The management under all sorts of heat from Abby Elliott (and a scene-stealing feud fight). Not to mention fond favourite Matty Matheson and the new entrepreneurial direction of Edwin Lee Gibson and the great guest helping him star. Like the aforementioned Hollywood names, we won't spoil the soup. Just like those hating on the Autumn and Winter of this show, shouldn't spoil your fun. A 'Groundhog Day' opening, the perfect snow surprise, another hour long classic episode under a wedding table, and a finale that could play out on a theatrical stage? Now, that's a fantastic four. 'The Bear' still has the beef. So what's yours? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Chef Show', 'Deliver Me From Nowhere', 'Fantastic Four'.

REVIEW: SUPERMAN

4/5

Up, Up, And Amaze

129 Mins. Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Neva Howell, Frank Grillo & Wendell Pierce. Screenplay: James Gunn. Director: James Gunn. In: Theatres.

"Hey, buddy! Eyes up here!" The guardian of the DC galaxy James Gunn's new era begins with the real Man Of Steel and the most hotly anticipated blockbuster of the summer, 'Superman'. And 'Hollywood' star David Corenswet ('Twisters') is perfect as the Clark Kent with an 'S' on his chest, and Hypno-glasses on his face. The same iconic S symbol that was all the teaser trailer needed to identify as a 'Superman' movie. And no, I haven't been hypnotized. This writer may be a fan of the bleak, but beautiful Snyderverse, but this is the Supes we all know and love from the Action Comics. Besides, with Ben Affleck out, Jason Momoa changing character and the controversy surrounding both Ezra Miller and Gal Gadot (thank God for Ray Fisher), the Justice League appears about done. They never even had a Green Lantern to begin with. This one does, mind you. Giving the finger to real world conflict that oppresses people. 'Lois & Clark' star Dean Cain says this is all too "woke", but a fan online posted a similar scene of immigration from his 'New Adventures'. This Superman honours him, Kirk Alyn, George Reeves, Christopher Reeve, John Haymes Newton, Gerard Christopher, Tom Welling, Brandon Routh, Henry Cavill, Tyler Hoechlin and what could have been (and was in the 'Flash' film) with Nicolas Cage.

Will Smith once turned down Routh's Superman. But the 'Bad Boy' Deadshot even turned down 'The Matrix' and 'Django Unchained', and he didn't even turn the other cheek when, well...you know. 'Sinners' star Michael B. Jordan was also in the running...or is that flying?! But this David is statuesque as Supes. Corenswet in the cornfields with his Kent parents (a lovely Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell) is exactly the right Smallville star to make it big in this movie Metropolis. Perfect all the way down (or is that up?) to the cow's lick. Especially when he's bumbling around as Clark (although we'd love to see more) at the Daily Planet with a perfect Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) and Wendell Pierce replacing Laurence Fishburne as the cigar chomping Perry after his work in a new Avengers movie (Frank Grillo doing the reverse trade). EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about the office romance between Clark Kent and Lois Lane...not to mention Superman. And no, she's not two-timing as this Walter Cronkite like reporter gets to interview the Man Of Steel, herself. 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe winner Rachel Brosnahan is even better as the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist. She may just be the best scoop yet.

But if you want to talk about actors making roles their own, then let's talk about a boy. We already know 'X-Men' star Nicholas Hoult is a beast of an actor, but here his bald ambition as the Joker mind to Superman's Batman muscle is incredible. Playing the iconic Lex Luthor like the late, legendary Gene Hackman before him, Hoult is an unhinged menace with monkeys spreading spam. One Russian Roulette scene will truly break you, as like Corneswet for Cavill and Routh et al, Hoult honours Jesse Eisenberg and even Michael Rosenbaum, a Gunn frequent flyer who makes a vocal cameo here. There are cool cameos before the credits, from characters in their own pocket universe, to actors who are friends of James. But nothing beats the best boy of all...Krypto the dog (the only Krypto I'd ever own). Not even another delightful droid from 'Andor's' Alan Tudyk in the Fortress of Solitude. You've been in love with him since the teaser trailer came hurtling through the snow, and now, we just hope he fetches his own movie. Because the spin-offs are already on deck. Engineered like cool villains akin to Ultraman. Whether throwing it down amongst skyscrapers falling like dominos, or stealing all sorts of plates in a baseball stadium, this Superman knocks it out the park. Until your teeth hit the camera.

Sure, between cute at first kaijus to a cast of characters similar to the unfairly sidelined 'Black Adam', this is all a bit messy at times. But what superhero movie, or review about it, isn't at even the best of times? James Gunn already proved himself worthy of DC with his version of 'The Suicide Squad', and now Marvel's rival is firmly his home base. Even if the great 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' trilogy remains his magnum opus. He's got his own new band of misfits, stealing the show in Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Edi Gathegi's Mister Terrific, Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl and 'Gotham' star Anthony Carrigan's Metamorpho. Especially Edi, after what happened to his 'First Class' Darwin in X-Men. Even Lex Luthor could see that was wrong. Speaking of wrong, Gunn even proves all of those who had complaints about this movie from the very first classic guitar, John Williams theme rocking trailer wrong. And there was a lot. Sometimes I'm as ashamed of being a Snyder fan as I am a Lakers one, for our fan bases. Case in point, Victoria's Secret model Sara Sampaio has a reason for all those selfies, but shhh, I'm not telling. I will say this, you won't have more fun at a multiplex this summer than in Metropolis. Even if Brad Pitt's 'F1' races ahead as the blockbuster of the summer. With the 'Mission: Impossible' days of thunder of Tom Cruise following close behind. The old heroes are the best. Look all the way up! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Superman (1978)', 'Superman Returns', 'Man Of Steel'

TV REVIEW: FUBAR - Season 2

3/5

All Recognition

8 Episodes. Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Monica Barbaro, Milan Carter, Fortune Feimster, Travis Van Winkle, Fabiana Udenio, Jay Baruchel, Barbara Eve Harris, Aparna Brielle, Andy Buckley, Guy Burnet & Carrie-Anne Moss. Created By: Nick Santora. On: Netflix. 

Since the last time we were 'f##### up beyond all recognition', Arnold Schwarzenegger has released his latest book, 'Be Useful', to help all of us who need that little "NAOW" push, Monica Barbaro ('Top Gun: Maverick') has become an even bigger star, garnering award recognition for her portrayal of the legendary Joan Baez in James Mangold's 'A Complete Unknown' Bob Dylan biopic, starring Timothée Chalamet, and Andy Buckley? Well, his character has been growing a lockdown beard and lounging around in a bathrobe he should probably fasten, as his salt and pepper facial scruff now has a hint of Cheeto and white powder. Yep, the 'Fubar' gang are back for season two on Netflix, with a few new friends. And as the streaming service's most successful show, 'Squid Game', goes against Disney Plus and Hulu's, 'The Bear', for its final season, this Arnie action-packed epic extravaganza plays like a fun alternative.

Spying through this game of nukes, double-agents and puppets The Muppets would be proud of (you'll be in stitches seeing Schwarzenegger with Kermit arms), Arnold is on fine form, farming many a career reference, or new one-liner, even though he also admits that his quips are getting a bit old (but not obsolete). A reference to the Olympics will help you get the point, although this former Mr. Universe is still the gold standard of action classics. And if he did need to hang up his Cold War era spy, like skis he'd probably Tonya Harding in some bad guy, we always have Barbaro. This is the maverick's time. No longer a complete unknown, the 'Chicago P.D.' and 'Justice' star has always been one in her own right. And now she's been seen serving up some looks at Wimbledon with a Spider-Man. Yet we're all caught up in her web. It's as much her show as it is Arnold Schwarzenegger's. But even they need a crack team behind them. Especially with new villains in the form of a scene-stealing, coming out party from Guy Burnet ('Oppenheimer', 'Pitch Perfect 3') and 'The Matrix' icon Carrie-Anne Moss. Fresh off her cameo in 'The Acolyte' and giving Jamie Lee Curtis in 'True Lies' a run for her dancing shoes money.

Milan Carter is the great guy in the chair, and now he has his own Wonder Woman in the form of super spy Aparna Brielle, but as he puts the hammer of Thor down, are we in for a comic clash? Last comic standing Fortune Feimster is as absolutely hilarious as ever with all the best cracks and put downs, but it's the chiselled hero of Travis Van Winkle who will really capture your heart this season, with his new sidekick Ham Steak, or should we say Side Steak? 'Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery' star Fabiana Udenio, with her own reference to another groovy spy, keeps the hearts beating, but it's 'Prison Break' FBI agent Barbara Eve Harris that really give the team something to fight for. And that's when the amazing action and hilarious hi jinks, nuanced in nostalgia, come into play. Meanwhile, on house arrest, the slap the lunch booth table hilarious Jay Baruchel makes for a comedy pairing with Andy Buckley as two jilted ex-lovers with broken hearts. Don't send them out to sea just yet. Nick Santora's 'Fubar' deserves the charm of a third season, if only we can get more of a Tom Arnold 'True Lies' reunion. The '#1 Dad' mug is a little bullet chipped, but this father still has his day. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'True Lies', 'Get Smart', 'Chuck'.

TV REVIEW: SQUID GAME 3

4/5

Game End

6 Episodes. Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-shim, Jo Yu-ri, Lee David, Roh Jae-won & Jeon Seok-ho. Showrunner: Hwang Dong-hyuk. On: Netflix.

Let the games begin again...for the last time? After the original 'Squid Game' debuted in 2021, the dystopian drama became the most successful streaming show on Netflix...and not just because we were living in our own surviving times of COVID-19, locked down at home. Today, the South Korean thriller is right there with 'Stranger Things' and 'Wednesday' to be a part of Netflix's big-three. You only had to watch, and hear the reactions to the cast appearing on, the streaming service's comic-con like 'Tudum' showcase to begin the scorching Summer, to see and believe that. Now, after, 'Squid Game 2' made our Christmas and New Year, as we got back in the game with star Lee Jung-jae ('An Affair', 'The Face Reader', 'The Acolyte'), 'Squid Game 3' follows mere months later, like the final season parting of Netflix's outstanding 'Ozark'. But still, we've been waiting with bated breath to see who will make off with the piggy bank in this world where we all act like swines...let alone squids.

South Korea has long been the new entertainment hub of the world. Ever since Psy took over and made everyone dance to his style. Bong Joon Ho's ('Snowpiercer', 'Mickey 17') 'Parasite' won Best Picture at the Oscars, as the likes of BTS, BLACKPINK and K-Pop as a whole (Twice, Stray Kids) dominated the music charts, as acts spoke at the United Nations and were knighted by the King of England. Oh, and have you ever tried the fried chicken? Or kimchi? Korea is here, and K-Drama has long ruled the roost. Even before 'Squid Game', 'Crash Landing On You' was the drama that dominated corona. But wait until you see what crash lands on you here for the circle, triangle and square. From pink boiler suits and fencing masks, to turquoise Tenenbaum tracksuits, 'Squid Game' has made actors like Jung Ho-yeon a superstar, made greats like Gong Yoo even greater and even given us our new favourite Thanos. And yet it all still clicks. Korea has always known how to do drama deeper and darker, albeit with its own style. Major events can happen at the beginning of episodes, not just the end. Remaining as unpredictable as ever, like Hollywood only wishes it could be.

You really have no idea what's going to happen next. And we're not talking about that rumoured 'Squid Game US' from David Fincher. We won't spoil the classic cameo (the same goes for the one in Marvel's 'Ironheart'), that social media did instantly, and we're talking about major news networks and entertainment sites, first and foremost, that should no way better. That's more annoying than those damn Winnie The Pooh masked VIPs. But we do wonder how they'll explain playing Korean's children's games in America, it may just have something to do with the K revolution in the US. Alas, the 'never see it coming' nature of these games make them all the more believable and the deep drama and rich emotion to go with these dark times make it much more meaningful, albeit harder, to take. After searching for knife and key in a Gashapon machine, we have a Starry Night maze making for the most brutal episode that could even give Van Gogh nightmares...and he cut his own damn ear off. But if you thought that, or the red light, green light doll, was scary, she's back with a new friend, jumping rope more tense than the tug of war, for the greatest game yet. All before the final symbolic one that takes you higher.

Jung-jae once again amazes, even if he spends the first half of the season cuffed to the bed like 'Gerald's Game', but player 456 still lets the other numbers ring up too. All as fellow legend Lee Byung-hun shows both us the other side of the good and evil coin as his counter, behind the mask. His caring cop brother Wi Ha-joon is still hot on his tail, even if social media influencer So Eun Kim turned their last meeting into the most hilarious reel. Amongst the players, Kang Ha-neul draws sympathy from his anxiety, whilst Park Sung-hoon is the hero we all need, forget about the DVD. The mother and son dynamic of Yang Dong-geun and Kang Ae-shim will really hit home, but it's the expectant one of Jo Yu-ri and Im Si-Wan that really has something to say...especially to absent fathers in this world where people care more about crypto than their own child. Addiction for the innocent (Lee David) and the evil that men do (Roh Jae-Won) is also explored in character. Yet the real MVP of this season is the North Korean defector, played by Park Gyu-young, on her own mission. Not to mention our favourite, Jeon Seok-ho. Mixing all these minds and madness, showrunner Hwang Dong-hyuk has done it again, and we can't believe for the last time. Game over? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Squid Game', 'Squid Game 2', 'Squid Game US'.

T.V. REVIEW: IRONHEART - Season 1

3.5/5

The Iron Lung

6 Episodes. Starring: Dominique Thorne, Lyric Ross, Manny Montana Matthew Elam, Anji White, Jim Rash, Eric André, Cree Summer, Sonia Denis, Shea Couleé, Zoe Terakes, Shakira Barrera, Anthony Ramos & Alden Ehrenreich. Created By: Chinaka Hodge. On: Disney +.

Hammering a heart out of iron, when Dominique Throne ('If Beale Street Could Talk', 'Judas and the Black Messiah') made her M.C.U. debut in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' as Riri Williams, AKA Ironheart, you knew she was thinking outside the Marvel toolbox. The fresh new talent with moxie was exactly what the sequel needed to survive following the tragic death of its star Chadwick Boseman and the Black Panther mantle being up in the air. Now, almost three years later, Thorne reunites with executive producer Ryan Coogler (fresh off his 'Sinners' success with frequent flyer Michael B. Jordan) for Marvel Television's 'Ironheart', created by poet, educator and playwright Chinaka Hodge ('Snowpiercer', 'The Midnight Club'). A crime-drama action and adventure that mixes magic in with the tech for this superhero series, no stranger to the science-fiction of Trekkies. Hands with two peace fingers, all the way up.

Thorne is terrific as Williams, making her way back to Chicagoland in a fresh white suit, before it becomes old and rusted for a true origin story. You can see it in the creative 'Atlanta' like titles that saves you from Marvel's usual sequence (Netflix and Arnold Schwarzenegger's 'Fubar', now streaming its second season, does the same). A few years back, Kevin Feige's assembled team caught heat for using A.I. in a too true life imitating art move with their opening credits to the criminally underrated 'Secret Invasion'. Now the franchise umbrella actually has an A.I. character, but then again not for the first time if you heard the voices in Tony Stark's head. Never mind all that, because Lyric Ross shows real character and heart, as she steals the show as the perfect sidekick, and that's no projection. Add friend Matthew Elam, the moving mothering of Anji White, and her friend (the Cree Summers Kanye West was talking about on 'Spaceship') and the family matters of this show will have you settling in like Chicago wind following the fall.

That's all well and good, but you know, every superhero needs a villain. And we have the makings of a great one in 'Hamilton', 'A Star Is Born' and 'In The Heights' star Anthony Ramos ('Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts', 'Twisters') putting on the red Hood. He's the perfect mix of power and passion for the part, and he has his own team too, featuring Manny Montana, Sonia Denis, Shea Couleé, Zoe Terakes, Shakira Barrera and Eric André for show. Plus like another 'Community' cameo from Jim Rash, there's another legendary villain on the cards, serving you deep-dish pizza, and we're saying nothing, unlike the other outlets who spoil on social media, like the ending of 'Squid Game'. What we can say, though, without giving him away, it's good to see the great Alden Ehrenreich back, after his much-maligned, and unfairly so, 'Solo' performance. This six-episode series may have been rush released over a fortnight, but it's not hiding. Surviving a review bombing, it's even got Iron Man's seal of approval with support from Dr. Doom himself, Robert Downey Jr. That's enough to make you love it 3000. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Iron Man', 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever', 'Ms. Marvel'.

REVIEW: THE OLD GUARD 2

3/5

Changing Of The Guard

107 Mins. Starring: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Matthias Schoenaerts, Vân Veronica Ngô, Henry Golding, Uma Thurman & Chiwetel Ejiofor. Screenplay: Greg Rucka & Sarah L. Walker. Director: Victoria Mahoney. On: Netflix.

Ready to put the circular hammer axe down again? Signature weapons don't come much cooler. It's been a half decade, if you can believe it, since Netflix's 'The Old Guard', starring Charlize Theron and company, but we finally have a sequel, even if in reality, it only seems like a couple of calendars since the first one. The streaming service, who recently released the final season of one of their most successful shows, 'Squid Game', with more to come (?!?), going head-to-head with 'The Bear' on Hulu and Disney Plus, are still desperate for that movie franchise kick-starter. Throwing A-list legends and locations at what would be a blockbuster screen, but losing something in translation, downgrading to your smartphone one. It's always been Netflix's catch-22. Remember...erm...that movie starring Ryan Gosling...and that one with...erm Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot and The Rock?! Exactly.

But that doesn't mean these movies (based on the comic-book from Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández) are bad, just badly in need of a better way of being distributed. But we live in a time we're you need to be a resurrected dinosaur, or resuscitated red cape to make it in the summer movie circuit. Unless you're an ageing Hollywood heartthrob in a racecar. Speaking of ageless, just like Keanu Reeves in 'John Wick', 'Atomic Blonde' star Charlize Theron shows no signs of slowing down, circling 50 with Furiosa vengeance. Yet it seems she could do even better than this franchise, just like the 'Fast and Furious' one she's in, or the Marvel character she will play, with all due respect. It's not that these tent poles aren't entertaining cinematic fare, playing in the sandbox with all our favourite toys, but this is the same star who got down in the mud with Tom Hardy's 'Mad Max' and lost a tooth for the atomic blonde on blonde action.

Even the Skydance title-card music sounds like something out of the M.C.U. But this Victoria Mahoney ('Yelling To The Sky') directed movie (with a screenplay from Greg Rucka and Sarah L. Walker) is its own property. Bringing back old favourites KiKi Layne, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Matthias Schoenaerts (best in show) and the great Chiwetel Ejiofor. It's the new tricks that really impress for this Old Guard, mind you, alongside some amazing action that goes hand in hand with ferocious Theron films too. Vân Veronica Ngô is a real old friend from the first film, but with a score to settle, she threatens to steal the show this time out. And that's alongside newcomers like 'Crazy Rich Asians' star Henry Golding, most recently seen sporting the same beard in Guy Ritchie's 'The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare' (but shave that off, and he becomes your new Bond), and an underused (at the moment) 'Kill Bill' legend in Uma Thurman. This is a fun film, but it really feels like it's merely setting up more to come. Soon...we can only hope. The guard ain't getting any younger. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Old Guard', 'Heart Of Stone', 'Fubar'.